The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

engrain

IPA

Dictionary definition of engrain

To firmly or deeply implanting or embedding something, such as an idea, belief, habit, or behavior, into someone's mind or a particular context.
"The coach worked hard to engrain a sense of discipline and teamwork in the players."

Detailed meaning of engrain

When something is engrained, it becomes deeply rooted or ingrained, often through repetition, practice, or prolonged exposure. It suggests a process of making something indelible, permanent, or difficult to change. Engraining involves creating a strong and lasting impression or influence that becomes an integral part of someone's thoughts, attitudes, or actions. It can be intentional, such as when educators aim to engrain knowledge or values in their students, or it can happen naturally through repeated exposure or experiences. Engrained ideas or behaviors tend to shape a person's perspective and become deeply ingrained in their identity, often influencing their decisions and actions in a significant way.

Example sentences containing engrain

1. We must engrain these values in our children for a better society.
2. The early years of education engrain fundamental concepts in a child's mind.
3. The coaches aim to engrain discipline and teamwork into their players.
4. It's important to engrain respect for nature in every generation.
5. Please, engrain this lesson in your mind, as it will be important for the final test.
6. You should engrain this rule in your daily routine for better productivity.

History and etymology of engrain

The verb 'engrain' has its origins in the Middle French word 'engrener,' which is derived from the Old French word 'grein,' meaning 'a grain or seed.' In its early usage, 'engrain' was associated with the idea of sowing seeds into the ground, emphasizing the process of firmly implanting something into the soil. Over time, this agricultural metaphor evolved, and 'engrain' came to be used metaphorically to describe the act of deeply embedding or implanting ideas, beliefs, habits, or behaviors into someone's mind or a specific context. It captures the notion of something taking root and becoming an integral part of an individual's consciousness or a particular environment, much like a seed growing and flourishing in fertile soil.

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Further usage examples of engrain

1. It's challenging to engrain a new habit, but it's worth the effort.
2. To succeed in this job, you must engrain a strong work ethic.
3. Allow me to engrain this truth in you: kindness never goes unrewarded.
4. The books you read in your childhood engrain indelible imprints on your personality.
5. Efforts to engrain sustainable practices in our lives are crucial for the planet.
6. The experience of the pandemic helped engrain the importance of health in people's minds.
7. The therapy sessions aim to engrain a sense of self-love and acceptance.
8. Repetition is an effective way to engrain new information.
9. The parenting classes helped us engrain the right skills to raise our children.
10. The instructor's goal was to engrain a love for math in the students.
11. To engrain the memory, I took pictures of the incredible view.
12. They tried to engrain the rules of the game into the new players.
13. It's never too late to engrain new healthy habits in your lifestyle.
14. She decided to engrain the mantra into her morning meditation to increase focus.